Thursday, September 27, 2012

A Pristine Tributary of the Merrimack

This morning I paddled a pristine tributary of the Merrimack River by following its northward course from Massachusetts towards New Hampshire.  The water was crystal clear, the skies were bright blue, and the fall foliage just beginning to catch fire.
The approximately 2 miles of brook that I traversed had the appearance of wilderness as no houses, cars, or people were evident.  However, after portaging around 2 beaver dams, I came upon this testament to the works of mankind...
The granite-arched bridge was built around 1872 to carry the rails of the Nashua, Acton, and Boston Railroad over the brook.  It is located in Massachusetts, very close to the New Hampshire border.  This photo from the downstream side provides a better view...
The railroad line was abandoned in 1925 and is now just a straightline path through the forest...

My boat looked much smaller from atop the bridge...

Wildlife seen were wood ducks, great blue herons, red-tailed hawks, tree swallows, painted turtles and one large snapping turtle.

Only a small amount of trash was encountered...
 
There were 10 recyclable containers (5 redeemable) and 4 pieces of miscellaneous rubbish that included this lawn chair and styrofoam cooler cover.  YTD = 5692
 
And last, but not least, the name of the brook...
 
 


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